Author's Note: So I was searching through my folders to begin re-inventing this story and what do a come across? Another chapter! Two chapter updates in one day! Though I apologize because I feel this chapter's a bit short and rushed, but I hope you like it :D
Disclaimer: I do not own nor do I profit that of the Harry Potter universe that rightfully belong and was created by the amazing J.K. Rowling.
Venom of a Snake
Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional
Madam Pompfrey had released me from the Hospital Wing when I woke up in the morning to my relief. But of course Wood was long gone before I woke up. Although a few limbs were still sore, it wasn't nothing I hadn't dealt with before. Walking down the deserted dungeons, I was preparing for the worst.
The walk of shame.
At least the rest of my team had the honor to face it together. The House would have gone easier on them, unlike with what they'll do to me. Especially considering I'm already hated enough, but I am the captain. The person who promised them all victory, but instead, gave them defeat. I could only imagine them with pitch forks and torches on an intense witch hunt for me.
I stood aimlessly outside the cold brimstone wall, breathing heavily. Prat-chard would most definitely be the first to torment me. Hopefully the banshee's screeching of her piercing bark would deafen me from hearing the rest of House's out bursts. Thinking about it only made me feel even worse, it was best to just get it over and done with.
Breathing in deeply, broadening my shoulders and bulging out my chest confidently, I muttered the password. The bricks slowly began to shift aside and instinctively I closed my eyes. I was a witch about to be burnt at the stake.
Let the burning begin.
I waited patiently. The silence killed me slowly, it would only allow them to build up there anger. I mustered all the strength I had to open my eyes.
Nothing.
The whole House was completely empty. I raised an eyebrow bemused with confusion, searching for another being in the room. As lucky as I should feel, I was still skeptical. Since when did lady luck ever decide to play on my side? It was Saturday so classes weren't on. It was too late for breakfast, but too early for lunch. Perhaps I was being ambushed, or perhaps-
Bang. Bang. Bang.
I snapped my head around to the dormitories. I didn't have my wand on me to defend myself. So I used the next best thing: a lamp. Holding it up, ready to fire at the enemy walking down the stairs.
He looked at me in shock, but the softness still remained in his sea blue eyes.
"Hey," Adrian said.
"H-Hey," I managed to stutter.
An awkward ambience filled the room, considering we haven't spoken since our fight before the match. Quietly, we both gazed into each other's eyes, trying to figure out where to begin.
"What's with the lamp?" He asked.
I must've looked like I just escaped from the psychiatric ward at St. Mungo's. Cumbersomely, I placed the lamp back from where I took it from.
"Just checking for Wrackspurts," I replied.
Curse Professor Kettleburn for his crazy incessant ramblings.
He raised an eyebrow at me bewildered and then sighed deeply.
"Look Audrey I need to say something," He began, looking empathically into my eyes.
I already knew what was coming. Being friends with the kids for five years, we had built up a friendship where we knew what was going to be said. We shared an unspoken bond. I was no longer angry with him, I just wanted my friend back. He was right, I shouldn't always rely on him to help me out with the team. It was a responsibility that I have to figure out on my own. He had every right to blow up at me.
"It's okay," I smiled half-heartedly.
"No it's not, I just-," He said.
"It's fine. I know," I finished. "Look the whole Miles-,"
"It's okay," He forgave.
"But I shouldn't-" I began.
"Really, it's fine," He finished.
We both exchanged glances of understanding, breaking the barrier between us. I knew how sorry he was, I could see the vulnerability inside. To others he appeared to have a charming, popular, badass facade, when really he was a big softy.
"Come on, let's go," Adrian said hurriedly, snatching my arm.
"Where?" I asked, confused.
"We've got a Hogsmeade trip today," He answered, continuing our way to the entrance.
I stopped in my footsteps, attempting to break free of his grip.
Hogsmeade? There's people there. People from Slytherin and people from our school. The Slytherins would crucify in front of the whole school. Literally. Led by that damn traitor Flint. I knew if I went I wouldn't return to Hogwarts, for my face would be slapped onto every Pumpkin Juice carton and 'MISSING' posters around the school.
"No, no, no. I am not going," I declared, turning around to run up to the girls dormitory.
"Yes, you are," Adrian announced.
Without an ounce of effort on his behalf, he simply jerked my arm and I was flying towards him.
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"No!"
"Yes!"
If we continued to play tug-o-war with my arm any longer, it would fall off.
"Look Adrian I don't want to-," I ended in mid sentence.
"Don't want to what?" He asked.
"To see everyone," I muttered under my breath, ogling down at my shoes.
I could hear him sigh deeply and nudged me to look up. It was embarrassing to admit that I actually feared something. But the fact that it was only Adrian had reassured me.
"Do you have amnesia or something? Would the merciless Slytherin Captain Audrey Parker ever say that?" He smiled.
The sides of my lips couldn't help but a crack a small smile. He always knew how to cheer me up. And he was right. The merciless Slytherin Captain Audrey Parker would never say that. It was extremely out of character for me to behave so childish.
"Besides, you know anyone that dares to have a go at you well get kicked the shit out of them by me. Right after you do of course," He laughed. "Come on, let me shout my captain a Butterbeer."
We entered the snowy town of Hogsmeade avoiding all the glares and snarls I received from passing Slytherins. Fortunately for me Adrian would ward him off with just one dangerous look. Besides, I was Audrey Parker. No silly Slytherin could scare me. Nothing was going to let me down. I am Audrey bloody Parker. Anyone who dared to get in my way will feel my wrath.
Julie was on her misfortunate date with Lucian Boles. Poor thing. But the girl did do it to herself. Miles was off with the rest of the Slytherin team in Zonko's Joke Shop, finding ways to torment Gryffindors as per usual Hogsmeade trip. I hadn't yet forgiven Miles for the Alicia incident. I wasn't exactly furious with him still, but he wasn't in my good books either. Which left Adrian and I to venture around the village.
After the years of visiting Hogsmeade, the thrill of privileges grew dull (except for the use of the Prefect's bathroom of course). We usually just came along to get out of the castle. I was relieved when we entered the toasty pub of The Three Broomsticks. A change of scenery from the chilling snowy weather. I took off my gloves, rubbing my hands briskly whilst puffing air onto them to warm myself up. I searched through the busy crowd and smoky room filled with constant noise.
A loud roar erupted from booths at the back and thats when I saw...
"I couldn't be anymore prouder with the team I have today," That Scottish boy applauded.
"Awww!" George exclaimed, wrapping an arm over his captain's neck.
"Three cheers for Gryffindor!" Fred chorused.
The proud colors of red and gold raised their glasses and rejoiced powerfully.
And there goes my confidence.
"I can't do this," I said, getting ready to leave.
Adrian caught me by the hand and dragged me into the congested room. I tried to break free, but resistance was futile. Without saying anything, he pushed through the crowd while I tried to keep a low profile. He forced me down onto the stool next to him at the counter. I could feel the heated glares burn into my back. So much for a low profile.
"What can a get ya?" Madam Rosmerta asked.
"Two Butterbeers please," Adrian ordered.
"And a shot of Firewhiskey," I added.
Perhaps I'd be able to drown my sorrows in a toil of drunkenness. I thought if I was going to embarrass myself in front of the Gryffindors that I might as well have fun doing it.
"Ignore her, she doesn't know what she's talking about," He dismissed.
"You're right Adrian," I agreed. "Make that five," I said, holding my hand up.
"Ain't ya a lil' bit young to drinkin'?" She asked.
"Aren't you a little bit too old to care," I sneered.
She looked taken aback by the remark, her eyes fumed with rage. Before she could erupt, Adrian interjected in the nick of time.
"The Butterbeers will do fine thanks," He said, chucking some coins onto the counter (and a little bit extra, I think to apologise on my behalf).
She snatched the coins up and went off to get our order, grumbling about the ruddy teenagers these days.
"Firewhiskey?" Adrian turned to me.
"So?" I retorted defensively.
"May I remind you of Christmas party of 89'," He snorted.
"Just be thankful that I didn't pass out in your parents bed and try to come onto your mum like Miles did," I justified.
"No, instead you decided it would be much more funnier to chase the garden gnomes in the backyard and vomit in our fountain," He mocked.
I cleared my throat and straightened my posture. My memory of that night was a bit vague.
"I don't recall a single thing you claim," I denied.
"Of course you don't, with all the alcohol you drank. Only to throw it back up," He rolled his eyes.
"It was one time!" I snapped.
"You sure made a great first impression on my grand parents," He said sarcastically.
"Maybe it wasn't one of my proudest moments-," I began.
"Indeed," He snorted.
I stared at him shooting daggers.
"But a lesson well learned," I finished. Tapping my fingers on the counter and barked, "Now where the bloody hell is my drink?"
I felt something poke at my shoulder and instinctively I snapped around bellowing, "What?"
Just the sodding prick I wanted to see.
"Parker," The Scot greeted formally.
"Can I help you something Wood?" I said dryly.
He signaled his hand out hand and dumbfoundedly, I looked back from his hand to his face.
"Good game," He said.
I grimaced in disgust and scoffed.
"I'm just trying to show some sportsmanship, the least you owe me is a little courtesy," He argued sternly.
"I owe you nothing," I hissed.
He rolled his eyes and dropped his hand. Before he could open his mouth to speak again, the familiar flame-haired twins popped up beside him. Adrian rose from his seat, broadening his shoulders, eyeing them dangerously.
"It'd be wise if you leave in three seconds," Adrian warned.
They remained in the same spot, looking at Adrian directly in the eyes, appearing the least bit intimidated.
"3... 2..." He counted.
"We're not here for you, we're here for Audrey," Fred said coldly.
"Then you're going to have to go through me," He said, taking one step closer.
"Is that so?" Wood questioned, also stepping closer.
"Boys drop the tuff guy act," I groaned, placing a hand on Adrian's shoulder and brushed him aside. Men and their alpha male instincts."Yes Fred?"
"Audrey, you I know I'd never do that thing I did at the game to you on purpose right?" He asked.
"I know Fred. Trust me, I wanted to do the same thing to Flint," I replied.
Before I could say anything more, Adrian stepped back in front of me.
"Now that things are sorted, I think it's best if you all left now," Adrian said coldly.
"Now, now, we've got business to discuss," Fred smirked.
"Sod off," He spat crudely.
George instantly stepped in between the two. "Did you forget the little bet we made?"
The twins faces turned malicious. Not a good sign.
"What bet?" Adrian scoffed.
"The one you made with us and Audrey," George smirked.
My eyes bulged out of my skull and I quickly jumped up in front of Adrian.
"Don't do it, it's not worth it," I begged.
Adrian looked back from my desperate eyes to the fat smirks on the Gryffindors faces.
"A bet's a bet," He said sternly, brushing me aside. "When and where?"
"10 o'clock tonight at the Astronomy Tower," Fred answered.
"See you then boys," Adrian replied.
"I can't believe this is actually happening," I groaned, slapping my forehead.
The students cheered and jumped around flamboyantly like a bunch of caged wild animals. Fired up for the show of a lifetime. Once word spread around the school about Adrian's 'show', many students thought it would be worth breaking curfew.
I was surprised the Astronomy Tower could even hold so many people, considering the whole school came to watch. Friends came to support, enemies came out of spite, fan girls came to goggle and the rest just came for the hell of it. It wasn't everyday someone ran around the school nude.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMAN!" Fred announced, quietening the excited students.
The hushed students cleared a space in the middle of the room for the twins. Adrian and I stood at the front of the crowd, mentally cursing the giggling Gryffindors across the room.
"Many of you may have heard that the famous Adrian Pucey has decided to put on a small show for you all!" George continued.
"Small? What's that suppose to mean?" Adrian grumbled.
I rolled my eyes at his frustration. That was the least of his problems right now. He was about to run bloody butt-naked through the school!
While the twins continued on with there introduction, Miles popped out of the crowd resting a hand on Adrian's shoulder.
"Don't worry mate, I'm with you every naked step of the way," He said.
"... After admitting cruel defeat by us tenacious Gryffindors, the Slytherin Quidditch prodigy has to now rise to expectations..."
"Get out of my way you blundering twat!" We heard a Julie yell. Students were carelessly pushed aside and Julie stepped out of the crowd. "I just got the news. Is he actually going through with it?" She asked in disbelief.
"Afraid so," Miles sighed. "By the way I saw you and Lucian Boles cuddling in Madam Pudifoot's Tea Shop," He snickered.
"By cuddling you mean trying to ward him off by hurling tea cups at him, then yes. Besides, what were doing in there? Stalking me?" Julie scoffed.
"For your information I was with Flint," He replied.
I never understood why Miles chose to hang around the sodding bastard.
"Enjoying a cup of tea with your boyfriend? Honestly Miles, even you can do better than a foul looking git like him," I chortled.
"Oh ha ha," He laughed sarcastically.
"And without further ado!" Fred bellowed.
"You know him as Slytherin royalty-!" George boomed.
"-Heart breaker and play boy-!"
"-Mister Adrian Pucey!"
The crowd roared hysterically, all eyes falling on us.
"Looks like it's your time to shine mate," Miles said.
"Adrian, you don't have to do this. We won't think any less of you back out now," I assured, latching on to his arm.
"Audrey, there comes a moment in a boy's life where he has to admit defeat," He said profoundly. "And run butt naked around the school."
He gently pulled my grip off of him and shamelessly walked over to the twins. Infinite cat calls rang in my ears. A bright flash illuminated on Adrian.
"Hey no pictures!" Fred ordered.
Miles snatched the camera off the young boy and pegged it at the ground, stamping on it vigorously.
"That's worth 70 galleons!" The young boy objected.
"Now it's worth nothing," Miles spat.
"Any last words?" George asked smugly to Adrian.
"I can't watch!" I cried, clapping my hands over my eyes.
"I regret nothing," He said.
"Drum roll please?" Fred laughed.
My eyes were covered, but I could hear the shocking gasps and a beating of a drum. Where on earth did they get the drum roll from? The suspense silenced the audience. The drum roll finally finished and a loud gasp of shock turned into an uproarious laughing fit.
"Mother of Merlin Audrey! You have to see this!" Julie cried with tears of laughter.
I dropped my hands to see an empty path to the doorway, presuming he had already bolted to nakedly jog around the school. This all seemed too surreal for me.
"I'm with you my brother!" Miles howled.
Before I could even comprehend what was going on, Miles ripped off all his clothes like a werewolf. And like a flash, Miles butt cheeks bounced out the door leaving me utterly dazed and confused. Students we're practically on the floor, looking like they were having a seizure from the laughter.
"MR BLETCHLEY WHAT IN GODRIC GRYFFINDOR'S NAME ARE YOU DOING?" McGonagoll's terrifying fury bellowed.
The whole room fell dead silent with fear.
"EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF!" George yelled.
Instantaneously, a wild herd of students squeezed through the door, gushing out a sea of students. McGonagoll's eyes widened with indescribable shock as the students pushed passed, bumping Miles bare body against hers. The horde of streaming students separated Julie and I, causing us to run in different directions. I managed to escape the mob of students by turning into an upcoming corridor.
I walked down the dimly lit corridor, in search in the hopes of bumping into Julie or a certain naked boy. Hopefully, I wouldn't get caught by a teacher or worse - Percy. But I was certain all the commotion near the Astronomy Tower was sure to keep all the teachers and prefects busy.
I could hear footsteps echo in the corridor, so I quickened my pace. It seemed the faster I walked, the faster the footsteps got. Practically jogging, I hurried down the endless hallway. A mysterious dark figure emerged from the shadows and I jumped back startled. I sighed in relief recognising their chestnut eyes.
"Must you always do that?" I snapped at a dumbfounded Wood.
"Meow."
We both turned around to find Mrs. Norris alerting Filch. Out of all masses of students, she had to stumble upon us.
"Come on," Wood urged, hastily signaling me to follow him.
"If you think I'm going to follow you, you've got another thing coming-!"
I came to an abrupt stop as he boldly seized my arm, dragging me down the hallway while I relentlessly protested. When he found the nearest room, he latched open the door, throwing us both in and slamming the door shut.
"We should be safe... for now," He sighed, pressing his back against the door.
"Well I don't what else to say, other than you're a complete git. Now move out of my way, I have to go find Julie and Adrian," I sneered, reaching for the door knob.
Miles was dead meat by now, so there was no point in searching for him. He stepped aside, pushing away my hand.
"No," He said, looking into my eyes firmly.
I narrowed my eyes sharply.
"I'm not taking orders from you," I said in a dangerous tone.
"Your friends could be anyway by now, it's not worth the risk," He said.
"I'm sure it won't be too hard to find a naked boy scampering through the corridors," I scoffed. "And I thought Gryffindors were suppose to be brave," I said, placing my hands on my hips.
"Brave yes, but stupid no. If Filch is outside and you walk out of this room now, we'll both get caught," He replied.
He technically did have a point. But I was too arrogant to admit it. So I reached for the door handle one more time.
"Do you have some sort of brain deficiency where you do the exact opposite thing I tell you to do?" He asked.
"Maybe it's because I don't like getting told what to do," I answered bitterly.
"So by second nature, you instantly do the opposite even at your own risk?" He presumed.
"Only because I refuse to be ordered around by a control freak like you," I hissed.
"Says you, I've seen the way you treat your team," He rebutted.
"That's because I'm the captain, it's part of the job description and I'm sure your the same with yours," I replied, looking him straight the eyes.
He had nothing to counter with, because he knew it was true. Finally, I had caught him and beat him at his own little mind deciphering game.
Breaking eye contact, I looked around the room to see where I was to get an idea of how far away from my Common Room I was. It was an empty classroom, one that looked like it had been unused for years considering the amount of dust everywhere. Filch obviously doesn't his job well enough with maintenance, he should stop using all his time and effort hunting students down and do his real job.
I noticed something unfamiliar to a classroom at the front of the room. Curious, I walked up to the sizable object covered by a cloak. I outstretched my arm to have a small peak of what was underneath.
"Don't touch it," Wood said, right before my fingers could touch the cloak.
Again with the orders.
I rolled my eyes and sadistically grabbed the cloak and ripped it off.
"Wow," I whispered, gaping my mouth slightly.
I admired the large antique mirror, lightly pressing my fingers against the golden border. Wood had walked up beside me, also staring at it intrigued. He tugged the cloak out of my hands, getting ready to cover it once again.
"What are you doing?" I asked, furrowing down my eyebrows.
"You might break it," He said, whisking the cloak in the air.
It never cease to amaze me how easy it was for him to insult me.
"Wait," I said, holding onto the cloak to stop from moving. "What's a big mirror like this doing in an abandoned classroom?"
"Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi," He said slowly.
"What's that Scottish for?" I asked, confused by his gibberish.
"The inscription," He pointed above the mirror.
I looked back down at the mirror, staring into my foggy reflection. Except I didn't see what I expected. Instead of being in the dark, empty classroom, I was on the Quidditch Pitch filled with cheering spectators. And instead of the clothes I was currently wearing, I appeared to be in my green Quidditch robes holding what looked like to be The Cup, standing on the middle of a podium.
"No way!" I gasped.
"What? What's wrong," Wood asked, looking around frantically.
"I think this mirror tells the future," I said, wide eyed.
"What do you see?" He asked.
"I'm holding The Cup on a podium," I smiled, admiring myself in the mirror.
"How's that possible? I'm standing right next to you," He argued in a slightly angered tone.
"Oh you're in it," I smirked. "You're in the background crying."
He turned his head, looking directly into the mirror.
"I just see you and me," He spat impatiently.
I rolled my eyes and snatched his robes, pulling him over to where I stood.
"Now look," I instructed.
"Bloody hell maybe it does tell the future!" He exclaimed.
"I told-,"
"I'm the Keeper for Puddlemere United!" He rejoiced.
"What?" I scoffed in disbelief. "There might be something wrong with the mirror now. Maybe it's not compatible with a mug like yours."
"What are you trying to say?" He asked bitterly, preparing to shoot daggers at me.
Before I could answer we both paused silently, hearing a sound at the door.
"What's that Mrs Norris? Are there some no good-rotten-troublemakers in 'ere?" He snickered in his raspy voice.
Hastily, Wood swung the cloak back over the mirror.
"Quick!" He whispered, opening a gape between the cloth and the mirror.
I ducked underneath and he followed in suit. I heard the door creep open and the heavy boots of Filch lug into the classroom.
"Where are you?" He hummed.
I gulped in fear, whereas Wood seemed relatively calm. I wasn't surprised, it seemed he was always able to keep his cool in difficult situations like these. I was as stiff as a board, too scared to move in case Filch might notice. I should of picked a better position instead of being up against Wood. It's been a while since we were so close, I remembered the tension. It seemed stuffy underneath the cloak as my face started to burn up. The sound of his steady breathing was in the same beat of my heart. Was he wearing cologne?
I shook my head from drifting off. There were more important things going on right now. Filch's footsteps grew louder and my anxiety grew higher. This was it. I knew it. It's been a while since I've had a detention, so I was expecting one soon enough. But I never thought it'd be for sneaking around in empty classrooms past curfew with Wood.
That won't sound too good for my social life.
And my mother.
"Come out, come out, where ever you are," He sang croakily.
Suddenly the door had slammed shut and Wood and I both glimpsed at each other oddly.
"What the-?" Filch squawked.
"SHH! I'm tryna hide from Filch!"
Oh mother of Merlin, poor Miles can never get a break.
"Good Lord boy, cover yourself up," Filch grumbled in disgust.
"Oh sh-," Miles cursed.
"Back in my day, they use to hang ya in the dungeons by your thumbs, imagine what they woulda done to ya back then," Filch groused.
"Please don't turn me in Filch! I'll do anything," Miles begged.
Filch let out a scoff. Poor Miles.
"I'll tell you where the Weasley twins are selling Dungbombs to the students!" Miles bargained.
"You know?" Filch asked.
"Yup. The disused boys lavatory on the sixth floor," Miles answered.
Filch hummed lightly, before saying, "Alright, go."
The door had opened and a loud scream of a woman startled both Wood and I.
"MR. BLETCHLEY - MY OFFICE - NOW!" The raging voice of McGonogall boomed.
The wheezy cackling of Filch could be heard, before the door was shut.
We both tossed the cloak off of us and I brushed the dust off my robes. The school's lucky I didn't have any allergies or else I would have reported this by now.
"That was close," Wood sighed in relief.
"I'm going before I get into anymore trouble. If I got seen in an empty classroom with you I'm sure it would simply do wonders for my social life," I said sarcastically.
"Do you think the mirror really does tell the future?" He asked, ignoring my insult.
"I don't know Wood," I answered, beginning to grow annoyed. "There are a lot of weird things around this school. Just take a good look at Filch, that man is way too attached to that cat of his."
I grabbed the door knob and turned back around to Wood, who was too busy still observing the mirror.
"Are you coming?" I asked, growing impatient.
He looked confused by my courtesy, something that was rarely seen by him. I even held out the door for him and we both walked out into the corridor.
"Thanks," I mumbled quickly under my breath.
He stared at me dumbfounded. It looked like the boy had just seen a troll walk past, again (which hopefully for my sake, didn't). I cleared my throat and straightened my posture, looking prim and proper.
"It would only seem necessary that I credit you for your idea to hide in the classroom. If you didn't drag me, I would've probably gotten caught by Filch a long time ago," I said formally.
I saw a small grin crack his lips and out of instinct, I narrowed my eyes sharply at him.
"No problem," He replied. "So now do you think I could get a congratulations for my victory," He smiled, holding out his hand.
"Don't push yourself Wood," I said bitterly, before proudly marching down to the Dungeons.